Tokyo Wary of Trump's Stance on Ukraine

   Tokyo, Feb. 15 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government is increasingly vigilant about U.S. President Donald Trump's stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as he espouses what appear to be pro-Russian views which might lead to ceasefire negotiations that favor Moscow.
   "It's too early to give a definitive assessment," Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya told reporters Friday, avoiding commenting directly on Trump's remarks regarding the situation in Ukraine.
   Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted Tokyo to change its previously conciliatory stance toward Moscow, criticizing its "attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force" and imposing sanctions together with other members of the Group of Seven major democracies.
   The shift reflects worries about China's increasingly hegemonic actions in the East and South China seas.
   The Japanese government has repeatedly asserted in international conferences and other settings that "Ukraine may be tomorrow's East Asia." It has said that Taiwan, which China is seeking to take control of, may suffer the same fate as Ukraine.

(2025/02/15-18:09)

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